Men to don high heels to increase awareness of violence against women

More than 100 members and supporters of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa PAU Violence Program, Athletics Department, UH Sexual Violence Prevention Project, UH Mānoa Women’s Center and Honolulu Community College are expected to take part in “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes,” an internationally recognized men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence on Wednesday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Varney Circle side of the Hawai‘i Hall lawn.

The event will feature free giveaways, T-shirts, food, music and speeches by fellow students and community members. UH Football Head Coach Norm Chow and Joe Bloom, founder of the Men’s March Against Violence, are slated to attend. Dr. Nancie Caraway, wife of Governor Abercrombie, will present a proclamation on behalf of the Governor’s Office.

The public is invited to attend the free event, whose goal is to increase awareness about the issue of violence against women—both on campus and in the community. The march highlights the fact that sexual violence does not just affect women but also the men, family and friends who care about them. “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” asks men to step up and be leaders in the effort to prevent violence against women.

Men will be provided with male-sized high heels and slippers to walk up and down McCarthy Mall to support the saying, “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Women are also encouraged to attend and show their support by holding signs and cheering on the participants.

For more information, please contact the Women’s Center at 956-8059 or send an email to the UH Mānoa PAU Violence program at pauvaw@hawaii.edu.